Author

Date of Award

Degree Type

University or Center

School

School of Social Work

Degree Name

M.S.W.

Department

Social Work and Public Health

First Advisor

Dr. Robert Waymer

Second Advisor

Hattie M. Mitchell

Third Advisor

Dr. Richard Lyle

Abstract

This descriptive study analyzes whether African-American males who are substance abusers fit full criteria for post traumatic stress disorder. A convenience sample of 50 African-American men from Fulton County Drug Court in Atlanta, Georgia completed a questionnaire to determine if they fit full criteria for post traumatic stress disorder. The questionnaire for the study was composed of criteria for post traumatic stress disorder obtained from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). The hypothesis of the study stated that at least 60% of the convenience sample would fit full criteria for post traumatic stress disorder. The findings of the study reveal that there is no statistical relationship between African-American men who are substance abusers and fitting full criteria for post traumatic stress disorder. Only 6% of the convenience sample fit full criteria for the post traumatic stress disorder. Though the hypothesis was not confirmed, the study did yield that a majority of the participants in the study had experienced a traumatic event. The study provides a basis for further research regarding the connection between substance abuse and post traumatic stress disorder regarding African-American males.

Recommended Citation

McCracken, Ebony M., "The presence of post traumatic stress disorder among African-American men who are substance abusers at Fulton county drug court" (2008). ETD Collection for AUC Robert W. Woodruff Library. 24.
http://digitalcommons.auctr.edu/dissertations/24